Intel Core i3-4170
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-4170 Specifications
Core i3-4170 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-4170 features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i3-4170 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-4170 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-4170 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-4170 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-4170 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-4170's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Haswell Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-4170 is built on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-4170 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Haswell Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-4170 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-4170 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 54W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1150 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-4170 uses the Intel Socket 1150 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1150 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-4170 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-4170 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i3-4170 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-4170 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-4170 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-4170 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-4170 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
About Intel Core i3-4170
The Intel Core i3-4170 is a dual-core, four-thread desktop processor built on the Haswell architecture, running at a fixed 3.70 GHz. It carries a 54W TDP, integrates Intel HD 4400 graphics, and uses the LGA1150 socket. In the benchmark database, it ranks in the 28th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 1048. The launch MSRP was $117. This processor is end-of-life, but it remains a reference point for entry-level desktop performance.
Who Should Consider It
The i3-4170 is designed for users who need a reliable, low-power CPU for everyday computing. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 3046 and single-core score of 430 place it in the lower quartile of the database. For basic office tasks—word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing—the i3-4170 is perfectly adequate. The four threads allow it to handle light multitasking, such as running a browser with multiple tabs while streaming audio. However, any workload that demands sustained multi-thread performance, such as video transcoding, photo editing in batch, or compiling code, will be limited by the dual-core design. The 28th percentile ranking means it outperforms only about a quarter of all CPUs, so it is not intended for content creation or professional applications. Gamers will find that the i3-4170 can run older titles and less demanding esports games at moderate settings, but modern AAA games that use many cores will likely bottleneck. The integrated HD 4400 graphics are sufficient for display output and basic 2D applications, but they are not a substitute for a discrete GPU in any 3D workload. In summary, this processor is best suited for a secondary desktop, a home server, or an office machine where raw performance is not a priority.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The i3-4170 has no boost clock, so its single-thread performance is constant at 3.70 GHz. In Cinebench R23, it scores 430 in the single-core test and 3046 in the multi-core test. The multi-core figure is roughly seven times the single-core figure, a ratio that underscores the efficiency of its Hyper-Threading technology when all four threads are active. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score is 180 and the multi-core score is 1279, again a factor of about seven. This consistent ratio indicates that the processor scales well with thread count, but the absolute scores remain low. For single-threaded applications, the i3-4170 performs adequately for everyday tasks, but it cannot match the higher clock speeds and newer architectures of modern processors. The lack of a boost clock means there is no temporary performance headroom; the CPU runs at a fixed speed regardless of load. This behavior is predictable and beneficial for thermal management, but it also caps peak performance. Users who rely on single-threaded performance, such as those using older software or certain legacy applications, will see consistent but not impressive results.
How It Compares
The i3-4170's average benchmark score is 1048. It sits in a very tight cluster of rival processors, all within 0.2% of that figure. This indicates that the i3-4170 is performance-equivalent to a range of other CPUs from the same era.
Intel Core i5-10210Y: The i5-10210Y matches the i3-4170 exactly, with an average score of 1048 and a delta of 0%. Despite being a low-power mobile part, it delivers identical aggregate performance in these benchmarks. In practice, the two would be indistinguishable in the workloads represented by the average, making the i3-4170 a viable alternative in systems where a mobile chip would otherwise be used.
AMD Athlon X4 950: The Athlon X4 950 scores 1047, a 0.1% difference from the i3-4170. This negligible margin places both processors in the same performance tier. The i3-4170's dual-core design with Hyper-Threading holds its own against a quad-core AMD part, likely due to its higher base clock and efficient Haswell architecture.
AMD PRO A10-8770: The PRO A10-8770 comes in at 1046, a 0.2% gap. Again, the difference is imperceptible in real-world use. The i3-4170 edges out this AMD APU in the aggregate, though the margin is too small to call a clear winner. Both are entry-level desktop parts.
Intel Core i5-6350HQ: The i5-6350HQ, a mobile quad-core, also scores 1046, a 0.2% deficit. This shows that the i3-4170, with only two physical cores, can keep pace with a quad-core part in these specific benchmarks. The i5-6350HQ likely has a lower base clock, which explains the near-parity. The i3-4170's advantage in single-thread performance appears to offset its lower core count.
Overall, the i3-4170 is positioned in a very narrow performance band. No rival exceeds it by more than 0.2%, and the differences are within run-to-run variance. For users, this means that choosing between these CPUs would come down to platform features, power consumption, or price—not performance.
FAQ
Q: What is the base clock speed of the Intel Core i3-4170?
A: The base clock is 3.70 GHz, and there is no boost clock available.
Q: Does the i3-4170 support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What memory type and configuration does it use?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
Q: What is the TDP of this processor?
A: The TDP is 54 watts.
Q: What integrated graphics does it include?
A: It includes Intel HD 4400.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, the multiplier is locked.
Power and Thermals
The i3-4170 has a 54W TDP, which places it in the low-power segment for desktop processors. Its 22nm process node, with 1.4 billion transistors on a 177 mm² die, contributes to its thermal efficiency. Because there is no boost clock, power draw remains steady under load, which simplifies cooling requirements. A basic air cooler is sufficient to manage the heat output, and the low TDP makes the chip suitable for small form factor builds where thermal headroom is limited. The processor is end-of-life, but its power characteristics remain relevant for legacy systems. The 54W rating also means that even a modest power supply can handle the CPU, though power supply specifications are outside the scope of this analysis. The integrated HD 4400 graphics share the same thermal envelope, but they are not a significant heat source for typical workloads. Overall, the i3-4170 is an easy part to cool and integrate into a compact desktop.
Detailed benchmark scores and charts for the Intel Core i3-4170 are below.
Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i3-4170 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i3-4170.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i3-4170.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i3-4170 after thermal limits kick in.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-4170 maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i3-4170 across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i3-4170 can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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